Chandraghanta Mata – Navratri Third Day

Chandraghanta Mata is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Her name means: ‘Chandra’ – the Moon, ‘Ghanta’ – hanging like bell. When Goddess Parvati adorned her forehead with the crescent Moon, she got this name. She is also known as Chandrakhanda. This form of Goddess gives courage and valor to the worshippers. She also takes away the problems related to the paranormal as well. Goddess Chandraghanta is the fierce form Parvati. But, her angry form can only be seen if she is provoked; otherwise, she is quite calm.

About Chandraghanta

Maa Chandraghanta rides on a tigress and has a golden skin tone. She has 10 arms. The 4 left arms carry Trishul (trident), Gada (mace), Sword, and Kamandal (stoup); the fifth arm remains in the Varada Mudra. Her 4 right arms carry lotus, arrow, bow (Dhanush), and Japa Mala (rosary); the fifth arm stays in Abhaya Mudra. In this form, she appears all set for a war.

Legend

When Lord Shiva told her finally that he will not marry anyone, she started suffering badly. He could not resist her pain and eventually they had quite an emotional reunion. After that, he visited King Himavana along with his Barat (the procession of family and friends along with the groom to be married). His Baaraat included all creatures including goblins, ghosts, gods, ascetics, Shivaganas, Aghoris, and many more.

The procession scared Pravati’s mother, Mena Devi and she got fainted in terror. In order to settle down all her family members, she took the form of Chandraghanta and arrived in front of Shiva. After that, in a very polite manner, she requested Shiva to look like a princely groom. Shiva agreed and came in a mesmerizing form, just like a prince. Also, he adorned himself with all those precious jewels that actually enchanted Parvati’s family.

Astrological Aspect

Chandraghanta Maa governs the planet Venus in astrology. Worshiping her can eliminate all the ill effects of Venus.